This article will focus on style hacks from a wide range of uses, including hacks to be used for objects other than our bodies e.g. decoration for a bottle of wine. Get ready to explore the many hacks for scarf styles that you need to know about!

Turn a scarf into a piece of art above your bed

This is a favourite decoration of the many scarf styles, particularly amongst university students, but this style is not exclusive. So, if you want to add a simple yet beautifully effective decoration to your house or room, then try this style.

Tie a scarf around your ankle

The ankle is often an area of the body that people don’t take an advantage to experiment with in fashion. So, like the many other scarf styles, this will enable you to add colours and patterns from your scarves, onto your ankle.

The scarf styles of rolling a scarf into a flower or wrapping a scarf around a bottle of wine as a gift for a loved one

This illustration shows two style hacks for a scarf. The illustration on the left shows that a scarf can be wrapped around a stick to resemble a flower, this is an innovative way to show someone your love and it will last forever, unlike a real flower. The illustration on the right shows a bottle of wine that has been decorated with small scarves, possibly pocket squares. This is a fun way to add more design to a classic gift.

Tie a scarf around your leg as a garter

A garter was traditionally used at wedding receptions, the groom would remove the garter from the bride’s leg either with his hands or teeth and it is then thrown to all of the eligible bachelors at the wedding. The practice is less popular nowadays. However, today it is popularly used by women to add a kinky accessory to their outfit.

Tie a scarf around your handbag handle

Try this simple style of knotting a scarf around your handbag handle to add more beauty to your handbag. Also, experiment with different knot styles to refresh your love for your bag.

The scarf styles of wrapping a scarf under your watch or tying a scarf around your wrist

This is a very simple style to add more colours and patterns to your wrists and it will emphasise the beauty of the watch you are wearing.

Fold a pocket square

Everyone has heard of the timeless accessory called pocket square. The main difference between a scarf and pocket square are their sizes, pocket square is very small. Furthermore, there are endless ways to fold a pocket square which is one of the main reasons the accessory has not run out of fashion. The folding style shown on our illustration is called the Triangular Fold or a One Point Fold, feel free to explore the many folding styles available on the web.

Use a scarf as a sash

This is a very simple way to add more colours and patterns to your outfit. To my knowledge, sashes typically have writing across them. So, try writing something interesting on your sash and show it to the world.

Turn a scarf into a cape

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!…no it’s just a person wearing their scarf like a cape. Whether it’s for Halloween or for a roleplaying game, turning a scarf into a cape is a very simple way to look cool when standing in front of a fan and have it blow your cape.

Turn a scarf into a twisty bracelet or tie it into a ring

The illustration on the left is another variation of tying a scarf around your wrist. The illustration on the right requires you to use a small piece of fabric and tie it around a finger. This is a very simple and beautiful way to create a ring.

Jazz up your walking stick by tying a scarf around it

When I think about walking sticks, I picture either a monochromatic burgundy cane or a metallic walking stick, both are pretty plain. So, why not jazz up your walking stick with some vibrant colours and complex patterns. 

In conclusion, we hope that these knotty style hacks for scarves has inspired you to try them out and feel free to add your own twist to them. If you want to share an image or a video of you trying out these styles or your own twist to them, tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and we will share it with the world.

All of the individual articles for ‘knotty ways’ illustrate the style uses for scarves and pocket squares, except for this article which will embrace the functionality and versatility of scarves and pocket squares. Without further ado, here are 9 knotty scarf tying ideas into practical hacks that you need to know about!

Turn a scarf into an arm sling

I have never broken a bone in my life, including my arm, so if you are like me, we never had the chance to use this style. However, if you do experience this unfortunate accident, you may as well look stunning in this period by using your scarf. In addition, if you are unable to get a hold of an arm sling, then your scarf can be turned into one.

Turn a scarf into a strap for your bag

This practical hack can solve two problems. One, if the strap to your bag is broken, then use your scarf as a replacement. Two, you can turn a strapless purse to a clutch bag by poking holes on both ends and tying knots to create a strap for the purse.

The scarf tying ideas of turning a scarf into braces or a belt

Have you ever forgotten to pack your belt when travelling? We know this can be frustrating. However, you could try the scarf tying ideas of turning your scarf into a belt or braces.

Tie a scarf into a camera strap

This is similar to creating a strap for your bag, of course, the same can be done for a camera. Cameras can be expensive, so to protect it from dropping from your hands, wear a safety strap made from your scarves and wear it around your neck.

Turn a scarf into a lead for your dog

Is your dog lead broken or you don’t have one? Then try turning your scarf into a dog lead and let your companion safely explore the world.

The scarf tying ideas of turning your scarf into a big floppy bag and a picnic blanket 

This one is my favourite, folding your scarf into a big floppy bag is very practical. One scenario where I would use this practical hack is when going to the park for a picnic (which I will definitely be doing this summer), this would allow me to pack all my foods and drinks in the floppy bag and then convert it to a picnic blanket to sit on and put all the foods and drinks on top. In addition, when I’m done with the picnic, I can easily turn it back into a floppy bag.

Turn a scarf into a flying carpet to escape from your mother-in-law

This practical hack only works if you have a time machine, if you don’t have a time machine, skip to the next one… 

Ok, I understand you are curious. The way I see this practical hack being used is that you need to travel to the future to a time when flying carpets are invented, only then can you make a grand escape away from meeting your mother-in-law.

Turn a scarf into shoelaces

Unlike most common shoe laces with monochromatic colours, scarves are typically filled with many different design elements, patterns and colours. So, if you are bored of your simple shoe laces, use this practical hack to create funky shoe laces.

Wrap your scarf around the handle of your handbag

This one can be considered both a practical and style hack. It is practical because it allows you to cover up any visible damages on the handle. 

In conclusion, we hope that these knotty practical hacks for scarves has inspired you to try them out and feel free to add your own twist to them. If you want to share an image or a video of you trying out these styles or your own twist to them, tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and we will share it with the world.

Okay, we get it, you are sceptical of how to wear a summer scarf into clothing without looking like the togas that the Romans wore. However, this is far from the truth, a simple scarf of any pattern and colour can be turned into a classy or casual outfit, the only requirement is the size of the scarf in relation to the clothing you want to create. Converting your scarf into clothing is especially useful when you want to expand your wardrobe but you don’t want to buy new clothes. So, get ready to have your mind blown as we show you 8 ‘modern and trendy’ ways of how to wear a summer scarf into clothing!

How to wear a summer scarf into a bandeau

This style is commonly used by ladies, but who says that fashion is exclusive to one gender. This style is super simple to create as it really just requires you to turn into your scarf into a rectangle and then wrapping it around your torso. In addition, it’s a perfect top to wear this summer, including those of you planning to go to festivals this summer.

How to wear a summer scarf into a halter neck top

I think this style is the most elegant out of the bunch. Why do I think this? Well, it is because it reminds me of an elegant dress, especially the way it creates a V-shape collar and I believe the upper back is bare. Pop on a couple of earrings and you are ready to go to a summer gathering or party.

How to wear a summer scarf into a sleeve wrap

This beautiful and traditional Japanese style is a timeless classic. It allows you to transform your scarf into a t-shirt-like top with wide open sleeves, perfect for cooling off this summer and channelling your love for Japanese culture.

Tie scarves together to create a knot corner top

This is truly a complex style to create as it requires three scarves to create. However, it is worth the hassle as you end up creating a beautiful top. So, assemble your scarves and create this knot corner top!

Wrap a scarf into a one shoulder strap top

Okay, I must admit, this one does remind me of a toga. However, it only spans to the hips, unlike togas which drapes down to the ankles. So, this one shoulder strap top is definitely a modern twist to a classic style.

Tie scarves together to make a pair of shorts

“Who wears short shorts?… We wear short shorts” said the band The Royal Teens in their 1958 classic Short Shorts; a song dedicated entirely to their love for shorts. If you don’t have shorts or you are tired of wearing the same shorts, why not try to create a new pair of shorts by tying together four scarves.

Wrap a scarf around your hips

If you want to try another similar style to short shorts, why not try creating a short skirt around your hips. You probably need to make some modifications to the knotting style shown above if you are not wearing anything underneath the scarf, just so it covers you up accordingly. However, if you are wearing something underneath, then this is a fun and colourful style to add to your hips.

Tie a scarf into a thick waist belt

Is your dress too baggy and you don’t have a waist belt to make it tighter? Well, try using the incredibly versatile scarf to solve this problem! 

In conclusion, we hope that these knotty ways to turn your scarf into clothing have inspired you to try them out and feel free to add your own twist to them. If you want to share an image or a video of you trying out these styles or your own twist to them, tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and we will share it with the world. 

Wearing a scarf around the neck does not only need to keep you warm, but it can also be worn purely for fashion. Therefore, scarves can be worn in the middle of Summer and nobody would look at you like you are a mad person. Furthermore, a scarf around the neck adds colours and patterns to your outfit to an area that is often forgotten about during the Summer season. So what are you waiting for? try these neck scarf styles! 

Choker Neck Scarf Style

The choker neck scarf style is a basic yet elegant way to wear a neck scarf. It’s very easy to do and can completely transform an outfit if the scarf has interesting patterns and colours. It does remind me of a cravat, but the only difference is that this choker is positioned on the back, you may think of it as a fun twist to the classic cravat.

Circle Flude Neck Scarf Style

I’m sure that everyone had or still has an art teacher that wore this regularly. It’s not surprising at all, this is because this neck scarf style has the connotation of relaxation, and this is something art teachers and professionals strongly portray and promote in their environment. However, we believe anyone can pull this style off, so go ahead and show the world the artist of style that you are!

Cowboy Neck Scarf Style

Howdy partner! This style is definitely strongly associated with the wild wild west, but this style works in any environment, including busy busy London. In addition, it is practical because it can keep your neck warm and you can bring it up to your nose and protect yourself from dust, this is especially useful for cyclists. 

Cravat Tie

Are you suffering from the dilemma of not being sure if you should go with or without a tie to a dinner party because you fear that you will either look too casual or too smart? Well look no further, let me introduce you to the cravat, a design marvel invented in the early 19th century by the Croatian Army and later popularized by the French. This style combines both a casual and smart look, perfect for a dinner party or any other similar occasions

Sailor Knot

Style ahoy! Is what many people will say to you when you wear this stylish scarf knot, it’s a very simple knot and it can add so much style to an outfit.

Classic Tie

Well, of course, we were going to mention the famous tie; the most recognisable style. However, it’s useful to know that your scarf can be transformed into a tie because a tie may not be available to you at a certain time and you need one urgently, so why not turn your scarf into a tie. Furthermore, if you are bored with the colours of your ties, you can turn your scarf into a tie and it will look like a brand new tie.

Necklace Twisted Neck Scarf Style

I know this is an odd style. However, it does make you stand out because it is so uncommon to see people use this neck scarf style. Furthermore, this style shows the endless possibilities of different ways to wear a scarf around your neck.

Short Knot Around Neck

There is something about this style that says that it is modern yet classical, maybe because it is so simple to create and it fits so well with today’s fashion scene.

Bow Tie

Although bow ties are commonly worn with tuxedos or by clowns, you need to see the true versatility of this classic neck scarf style. This style works well with both casual and smart outfits and at many different occasions. Furthermore, they work well with any colour and pattern. Remember these two useful advice when pulling this style off: there are no rules and you have the power of your fashion style.

Two Scarves Tied Together

Do you have two scarves that you want to wear, but you don’t know which one out of the two to choose? Why not combine them both to create one long scarf that drapes over your shoulders. This is a very innovative, problem-solving and creative neck scarf style. 

In conclusion, we hope that these ways on style a neck scarf have inspired you to try them out and feel free to add your own twist to them. If you want to share an image or a video of you trying out these styles or your own twist to them, tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and we will share it with the world.

Apart from wearing a scarf around your neck, head scarf tying undoubtedly the second most popular way to wear one. There are people who wear it every day for religious reasons and others wear it seasonally, especially during the summer. There is no season better than summer to bring out a vibrant coloured scarf with beautiful patterns around your head. Here are some creative ways on how to tie a head wrap:

Bandana Head Scarf Tying Style

Ahh the classic bandana, I’m sure most of you have heard of this head scarf tying style, but just in case you have forgotten about this timeless style to wear a head wrap, we want to remind you of it for this summer. Whether you want to protect your head from the sun, keep your hair locked from wind or simply to add a beautiful and simple accessory to your head and hair, the bandana is the way to go!

Big  Bow Scarf Style

Ever wanted to live your childhood dream to be Minnie the Mouse or want to look stunning this summer? Then this is the style for you! This simple yet stylish way to wear a scarf in the form of a big bow headband can be worn in a number of occasions, from a garden party to a festival.

Hairband Scarf 

This is a practical way of how to wear your scarf around your head, or should I say hair. This is quite a practical style of wearing a scarf on your head as it is a substitute if you don’t have a hair band. However, aside from its practical element, it can be used to add more colour to your hair.

Big Bow Scarf Tying Style For Hair

This is another variation of tying a scarf on your hair. This further exemplifies the versatility of wearing a scarf on your hair. The variations are endless, you may create a unique style, but to get you started, try out these two styles first. Also, if you create a unique style, let us know in our contact section and win a chance for your style to be featured on our 50 Knotty Ways to tie a Scarf page.

Head Knot Scarf Tying Style

Perhaps the most fundamental style of the different styles to wear a headscarf. We all know this style, especially since it was popularised by Jimmy Hendrix, Rambo and many more pop culture icons. A very simple, timeless and sleek way to add more style on your head.

Head Scarf Tying Style

This style has undoubtedly been popularised by religious ways to wear a headscarf. However, we believe that this style should not be seen as exclusive but inclusive, this is because it is a beautiful and elegant way to wear a scarf on the head, so we think that everyone should see it’s true style potential.

Plait Scarf Tying Style

Okay, I know what you are thinking, but it is much easier to tie a scarf through your plaits than you think. Just think of the scarf as an extra bunch of hair and let your natural motion of plaiting hair be in effect, the results will be stunning and eye-catching as it is rare to see this style, so why not be one of the few people that tries it.

Thick Headband Head Scarf Tying Style

This is another variation of tying a scarf into a bandana on a head. This style is a fresh approach to the classic bandana style. Furthermore, the way that the excess bandana hangs on the side is a very cute and stylish addition.

Turban Head Scarf Tying Style

In continuation with the point, I had earlier of breaking down the social stigma of some styles of wearing a scarf on the head is exclusive, this style is another example. The turban head scarf style is predominantly worn by men, we are encouraging both men and women to try out this beautifully complex style.

Big Bow Around a Floppy Hat Head 

We hope that these ways on how to tie a head wrap have inspired you to try them out and feel free to add your own twist to them. If you want to share an image or a video of you trying out these styles or your own twist to them, tag us with #houseofgharats on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and we will share it with the world.

House of Gharats has set itself on a mission to be a fully ethical and sustainable design house by 2021. The love for learning, sharing and growing will be at the heart of this journey. We were interested in investigating, who wore green, ethical and sustainable at the Costume Institute Gala 2019, also known as the Met Ball.

It’s that wonderful time of the year again. The Met Gala has never failed to make us gaze in awe, this year was no exception. However, we believe this year’s Met Gala showed a special connection with House of Gharats, this is because we saw some amazing green, ethical and sustainable fashion on the red carpet from likes of Gisele Bündchen, Livia Firth and Big Freedia. We would love to share details about their outfits, including what materials they are made of and who designed them. We wish to inspire you to take an interest in sustainable fashion because the reality is sustainability in fashion can be as beautifully complex as any other fashion. Also, we will highlight our favourite styles of scarves, neckerchiefs and pocket squares.

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This year’s Met Gala theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. Camp covers fashion that can be simple, humorous or simply extreme in nature. This is an event for celebrities and designers to truly express their wildest imaginations in fashion. We’ve seen Jared Leto hold a replica of his own head, Billy Porter be carried on a litter by six shirtless men, and last but not least, Lady Gaga wore a Russian nesting doll-like dress with four distinct layers.

Who were the ethical & sustainable advocates of fashion at the 2019 Met Gala?

Livia Firth

Livia Firth’s dress for the Met Gala was a symphony of vibrant colours, beautiful florals prints and a rainbow of Swarovski crystals. It was designed by Richard Quinn. Livia Firth is a long-time advocate of sustainable fashion. In fact, she is the founder and creative director of Eco-Age which is “a brand consultancy that enables businesses to achieve growth by adding value through sustainability”. In addition, she also started the ‘Green Carpet Challenge’ which seeks to encourage celebrities to wear sustainable fashion on red carpet events. She saw the Met Gala as a perfect opportunity to showcase her dress which is indeed sustainable. Livia Firth says that she collaborated with Quinn to create the dress. They purchased recycled polyester georgette which is made from 100% recycled water bottles that are processed and spun into yarns using a mechanical process, not a chemical one.

The result, one breathtaking dress. Quinn added “the Swarovski crystals along the cuffs and neckline were leftover stock from the company’s lab” he also added that his printer is digital, so there’s never a surplus of fabric that goes to waste.

Gisele Bündchen

The world-class Victoria Secret model, Gisele Bündchen, showcased a stunning satin pleated gown made by Dior and is indeed made from sustainable materials. In her interview with Vogue on the red carpet, she couldn’t stress enough the importance of sustainability and how much it means to her. She further expressed on her Instagram picture of her red carpet dress, saying “Yes, fashion can be beautiful and sustainable.”

Big Freedia

The hip hop extraordinaire and veteran, Big Freedia, showcased an outfit designed by Rio Uribe of the brand, Gypsy Sport. The outfit is a black tuxedo embellished with white bottle caps which was premiered on the Fall 2019 runway at New York Fashion Week. Uribe added “The concept was to do something that was extravagant but also sustainable,” Uribe is a strong advocate for sustainable fashion, in fact, he always incorporates up-cycled materials. For this suit, Uribe sourced 1,000 bottle caps from an intern that also works in a restaurant, this includes caps from Coca-Cola and Budweiser. All in all, the outfit is 90% sustainable which is an impressive accomplishment. In addition, the suit was made in a matter of days, he and his team worked hard, but he added that it was all worth it to see Freedia showcase the sustainable creation on the red carpet.

How could we miss our most favourite fashion accessories at the 2019 Met Gala? Celebrities styles at the 2019 Met Gala had some knotty style tips of how you can style a scarf, neckerchief and pocket square or any piece of fabric you would like to get knotty with. Be sure to also view our 50 knotty ways to tie a scarf and pocket square page for inspirations!

Who got knotty with scarves, neckerchiefs and pocket squares?

James Charles

James Charles, personality, model and make-up artist, wore an outfit designed by Alexander Wang, and beautifully accompanying it is a scarf styled as a neckerchief. We think this use of the neckerchief acts as a tool to highlight the strong and bright colour of the metallic top as it is sandwiched between the black neckerchief and black trousers.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton, a British racing driver in Formula One, extravagantly wore a scarf that is styled into a cravat and embellished with two gem brooches. We love how the men are playing with their brooches! The scarf is neatly wrapped around his neck and tucked into his suit.

Lisa Love

Lisa Love, west coast director of Vogue and Teen Vogue, wore a bright fuchsia trouser suit paired with black mesh lace-like twilly.  Oh, twilly!

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch, an actor, made a surprising outfit choice for the 2019 Met Gala. He wore a three-piece white suit, with a white fedora and a cravat that is embellished with an emerald green brooch. Green with envy!

Lena Dunham and Jemima Kirke

Bows and Bow ties not as we know them!!! Big was bang on and better at the Met Gala 2019. Lena Dunham, director, and producer, is accompanied by Jemima Kirke, artist and actress. They’ve been friends for 20 years — three of which happened to overlap with them attending the Met Gala at the same time. Both decided to wear matching outfits in different colours. Most significantly, they wore huge bow ties facing their back, this is a very playful and camp look. We also absolutely loved the big bow/neck scarf style with a suit worn by Christopher Kane.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss, an actor, singer and songwriter. Not only did he show a genuine appreciation for getting dressed, but he also proved to us that he can dress camp. Most significantly, his huge bow tie-like cravat is a cherry on top of a glamorous outfit.

Dapper Dan

Dapper Dan, fashion designer and haberdasher, is a suit and tie veteran. However, for the Met Gala, he decided to take a different approach to align closely with the ‘camp theme’. He decided to wear a scarf styled into a cravat and he indeed looks dapper and camp.

Max Hollein

The artful knotty tie got shorter, hmmm! Max Hollein, art historian and the new director of the Met, is celebrating his first gala. What did he wear? A sleek black tuxedo with a colourful cravat to contrast the formality and to embrace the camp theme.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick, an actor, beautifully incorporates the classic pocket square to his suit. Although the 2019 Met Gala’s theme is ‘camp’. Hardwick saw an opportunity to wear a suit with a pocket square that is traditional and classic and bring a colourful and playful twist to it.

A powerful message behind the glitz & glamour

Giving a message through our work at House Of Gharats is the design itself, for example, a simple white cloth with a message will impact a person a lot more than an identical cloth with no message. Moreover, amidst the camp outfits of the Met Gala, there was one display of a powerful message. Lena Waithe sought to send a message with her outfit which is a text on the back of her blazer that says “Black drag queens invented camp” this is indeed a bold move. This is in response to her displeased view on the lack of credit that the LGBTQIA community and people of colour receive for their contribution to the camp culture.

A standing ovation from team House of Gharats

We at House of Gharats think that all these outfits are equally beautiful. It is a joy to see that sustainable fashion is continuously hitting red carpet events. More importantly, we are excited to see the demand for sustainable fashion go up as more and more celebrities and influencers embrace it. In addition, as demand and awareness increases, more designers will incorporate sustainable elements into their designs. Moreover, we will see more complex and creative ways that sustainability can be fashionable.

To reiterate, sustainable fashion can be as fashionable as any other fashion, this perfectly aligns with House of Gharats commitment of using traditional craftsmanship, such as working with craftspeople, supporting their work and keeping traditions alive. Equally, we push boundaries with ways we can use technology to create beautiful designs. A great way to describe us is, forward-thinking yet traditional. This is a perfect time to announce our collaboration with the Commonwealth Fashion Council in creating a first of its kind sustainable scarf made of SeaCell silk which is made from seaweed.  

Wordsmith: Zakaria Abdullahi

References

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a23695711/met-gala-2019-theme/

https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/05/07/met-gala-2019-camp-fashion

https://www.vogue.com/article/livia-firth-richard-quinn-sustainable-dress-met-gala-2019

https://www.vogue.com/article/big-freedia-gypsy-sport-met-gala-2019-red-carpet-tuxedo

https://footwearnews.com/2019/fashion/celebrity-style/james-charles-gender-nonconformist-style-met-gala-1202781563/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6999503/Met-Gala-2019-Benedict-Cumberbatch-opts-white-suit-fedora-joins-wife-Sophie-Hunter.html

https://www.wmagazine.com/story/lena-dunham-jemima-kirke-met-gala-2019-christopher-kane  

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/a27382445/lena-waithe-met-gala-2019/

https://eco-age.com/livia-firth

This year’s Oscars was like no other. We saw an abundant amount of extraordinary changes from this once continuously conservative awards. We at House of Gharats are thrilled to see these changes which coincide with our core beliefs and values, we want to share with you some of our favourite highlights from the 2019 Oscars.

Also, House of Gharats being a part of Britain, we are celebrating and proud of all British winners, including Olivia Coleman’s long-awaited first Oscar win, for Best Actress.

No Host

Oscars ceremony that lacked a host but was filled with diversity and historic wins. This is the first time the Oscars is host-less since the 61st Oscars in 1989 and was considered “a cursed night”  (New York Times, 2019). The reason this year is host-less is that Kevin Hart (who was meant to be the host) was asked to step down due to old tweets that have resurfaced that show Hart using homophobic slurs. Hart apologised by saying “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past”, still The Academy chose to go host-less and surprisingly the night went smoothly as the presenters gave away awards.

Diversity

Spike Lee taking home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his movie “BlackkKlansman” was a monumental achievement for minority directors and many more in the film industry, and he achieved it with dignity, pride, self-respect and most important patience through his 30 years in the industry. Spike Lee also took time out of his Oscar speech to mention the United States elections in 2020, as a hint to the audience to vote against Trump who he regards as having little regard for diversity and equality in the country. This quote from his speech touched not only our hearts but the crowd too,  as we see Director Jordan Peele shed tears: “Before the world tonight, I give praise to our ancestors who have built this country into what it is today along with the genocide of its native people. We all connect with our ancestors. We will have love and wisdom regained, we will regain our humanity. It will be a powerful moment.”

Aside from Spike Lee, the movie Green Book took home Best Screenplay and many more awards, this is a monumental win for an American pre-civil rights movie. The movie is named after the motoring handbook originally designed to help African American travellers to avoid dangerous areas in pre-civil rights US (The Guardian, 2019). Mahershala Ali (actor in Green Book), took home Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Don Shirley a Pianist. Ali lit the room with his heartfelt speech, this is our favourite: “Trying to capture his essence pushed me to my ends, which was a reflection of the person he was and the life that he lived,”

The Best Actor award went to Rami Malek for his portray of Freddie Mercury in the film Bohemian Rhapsody. He is a first generation American with parents from Egypt. This is an extraordinary feat for such a young actor and he is an enormous inspiration for up and coming actors of ethnic background. Here is our favourite quote from his acceptance speech: “We made a film about a gay man, an immigrant, who lived his life just unapologetically himself,”

Alfonso Cuarón has won the Oscar for Best Director at the 91st Academy Awards for Roma. He is of Mexican background and the film is set in the 1970s in Mexico City, the film centres on an indigenous live-in maid for a middle-class family. In his acceptance speech, he continued to thank The Academy “for recognising a film centred around an indigenous women- one of the 70m people around the world without workers’ rights” (The Guardian, 2019). Along with winning the award for Best Director, comes attached a tail of many achievements: Roma became Mexico’s first winner for Best Foreign Language Film and Cuarón also received the Best Cinematography award for Roma. All of these awards and achievements made it the biggest Oscar night for the film’s publisher, Netflix. This inspiring quote for artists really highlighted his acceptance speech: “As artists, our job is to look where others don’t”.

Fashion

This year, fashion broke the biggest traditional norm of the Oscars, black dresses. To the point that the only big star that was spotted wearing a black dress was Lady Gaga. She wore an Alexander McQueen gown and Tiffany & Co. yellow diamond. This is surprising, to say the least, Lady Gaga is known for breaking the internet with her eye-capturing outfits, for example, her ‘Meat Dress’ at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, this was a message for animal rights (Billboard, 2010). A New York Times writer said “When was it decided that to be taken seriously as an actress you need to dress in serious couture? I’m asking because I never got the memo, but clearly, Lady Gaga and her styling team did.” Other than Lady Gaga’s traditionally black dress, the Oscars were filled with an array of all colours of the rainbow, this shows freedom of expression, the changing of times and re-evaluating outdated and restricted traditions.

Billy Porter’s tux gown stole the show at Oscars, it is something that has never been done before and shows boldness and creativity. Porter is openly gay, but received some criticism for this dress. Porter commented on the criticism he received by saying “if you don’t like it, go somewhere else.  You don’t have to look. It’s not about you. I don’t understand why putting on a dress causes this much strife in your life.”. This is a huge leap for the LGBT community in the Oscars, it shows that they should not be afraid to express themselves the way they want to and that traditions are not rules.

Metallic dresses ruled the 2019 Oscars red carpet. JLo, who also presented an Oscar, teamed her metallic long-sleeved gown with sleek wavy hair and stunning diamond jewellery. Some of the metallic outfits or more specifically women’s suits worn on the red carpet resembled a knight in shining armour, a BBC commentator said that some of the women on the red carpet wanted to be a prince and others a princess, it also shows an interesting point in fashion when women are not only looking to be the princess.

Rachel Weisz stood-out with her bright red Givenchy Couture two-piece design featuring a shiny latex caplet layered over an embroidered gown with sparkling embellishments (People, 2019). This is an unorthodox dress because of the latex top. Jason Solomons, a BBC presenter, humorously commented on the dress by saying “When you spill champagne on the top you can just wipe it off”. Although it is funny,  it also shows the practicality and utilitarian aspect of an Oscars dress, we usually see these dresses as being unrealistic and only for one time use. Rachel Weisz has shown us that dresses can be realistic and this fits well with today’s greater casualisation and deconstruction of societal norms.

Honourable Mentions

House of Gharats as a fashion house with core beliefs of diversity and inclusivity, we are more than exhilarated to see Ruth Carter achieve a historic win as the first black winner of the Best Costume Design award. Along with Hannah Beachler who became the first black winner of Best Production Design, both for Black Panther.

Although this is not one of the biggest and most important highlights, it is still an astonishingly remarkable moment. Sony’s critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature putting an end to Disney’s six-year hold on the category. What mattered the most about this win, is the diversity in characters in the movie, we have a young black teenager as the lead character. It is hard to put into words the inspiration that this will have to millions of young black children and others of minority background to see themselves represented in a classically beloved character. It is nothing short of beautiful.

“I can’t believe a film about menstruation just won an Oscar” said director Rayka Zehtabchi, who took home the Oscar for best documentary short for Period. End of Sentence (Cosmopolitan, 2019). This win touched our hearts here in House of Gharats because we believe in freedom and equality for all, to have a movie demonstrate the social stigma of menstruation in India. This has prevented girls and young women from staying in education, worshipping in temples and having access to basic sanitary products (Cosmopolitan, 2019).

To close this article we want to leave you with the final honourable mention: This comes from the presenter of the Best Foreign Language film, Javier Bardem. He started by saying in Spanish: “There are no borders or walls that can restrain ingenuity or talent.” 

References:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/02/25/spike-lees-oscars-speech-enraged-trump-watch-read-it-here/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3e63a19a2cf4

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/feb/25/alfonso-cuaron-wins-best-director-oscar-for-roma

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/02/28/billy-porter-tuxedo-gown-critics-response/

https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/oscars-2019-jennifer-lopez-gown-looks-a-lot-like-kareena-kapoor-s-sparkly-dress-see-pics/story-66ZR8GSvm4ktdd3YakgaLL.html

https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/international-news/article/oscars-2019-why-the-91st-academy-awards-does-not-have-a-host-this-year-details-here/371548

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47352722

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/feb/25/green-book-wins-oscar-for-best-picture-2019

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956399/lady-gaga-explains-her-meat-dress-its-no-disrespect

https://people.com/style/oscars-2019-rachel-weisz-latex-dress/

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a26504881/period-end-of-sentence-won-oscar-best-documentary-icky-acceptance-speech/

empty space

At House Of Gharats, we embarked on a journey early this year “House Of Gharats In Love” to find and share more love. We shared our ideas about how to gift love and be wrapped in love. But enough about loving everyone else. Do you love yourself?

Pondering over Self-love

Self-love is gratitude. It’s appreciation, realisation, thankfulness and mindfulness of yourself. Who are you? What do you look like, and what are the things that drive you crazy? Where did you show that you love yourself? International Women’s Day is the perfect time to ponder over this idea and celebrate yourself, so how can you do it with spending a few mins every morning dressing? For example, putting on your favourite silk scarf or just smiling at yourself in the mirror.

The House Of Gharats tailored jacket and suit collection

Morning Routine, you say you never have time for

Our founder designer Neishaa Gharat is a huge advocate of this morning ritual. Even on a grey dreary morning seeing her at her house studio is delightful. Her favourite and easy to style ritual are, of course, wearing a beautiful silk scarf or neckerchief from her enviable personal collection. At House Of Gharats we believe, the ritual of everyday dressing is an important one. Research has shown that dressing well results in a surge of confidence-boosting chemicals. The adage “dress for the job you want, not the one you have” is a truism. You don’t have to break the bank or become a fashionista. Looking like you love yourself before you walk out the door whether to pick your kids off from school or even if you work from home. It will boost your self-esteem while having fun with yourself.

Society is big on self-love nowadays, and rightly so. We’re constantly faced with pressures about how we look, how we work and how we date. Battling through all of these pressures makes it extremely hard for us to remain ourselves. We lose ourselves while giving way under these pressures, and struggle to find the value in our natural, real selves.

The House Of Gharats tailored jacket and suit collection

Dress For The Self You Love

Society can also add pressure to how we dress. Some people flourish in fashion and wear the outfits they love. Others struggle to find the self-confidence to dress against the norm. What really are the barriers that we allow to limit our personal style? Style at defines us and not a fashion trend. Why do we allow these barriers to stop us? What’s really stopping us from dressing for the selves that we love, and not the ones that we don’t love? Even when we shop, we can end up treating ourselves to beautiful pieces that will stay with us for a lifetime. But how many times do these fabulous pieces stay in our wardrobes collecting dust, instead of complements?

Strip Off and Dress Up

A great place to start practising your own self-love rituals is to fall in love with your wardrobe again. Go and open those doors and pull out all of the pieces that excite you. Strip off, dress up and admire yourself in the mirror. Lock the door, put up a do not disturb sign and play around and discover new outfits that make you fall in love with yourself. Go a step further and dare yourself to wear your lovely clothes to work. Even if others don’t care or judge you. Embrace your fashion sense and wear it with pride; allow it to become a part of your identity. Especially on those days you feel stressed, let your outfit lift you up. Get excited to get dressed!

The House Of Gharats tailored jacket and suit collection

Daily Fashion Therapy

Those ten minutes in the morning you spend dressing yourself is the perfect time for self-love practices. Those ten minutes should feel like heaven. It should feel like a big pamper in your lovely wardrobe before your busy day. It should be your daily fashion therapy. The ten minutes spent in your haven of goods and garments should be a real self-care speciality to you. Enjoy it. Savour it. Spend time collating your outfit of the day. Take your time to dress so you know you will feel as good as you look, for every second you spend in it.

Free Yourself

In honour of International Women’s Day, take the time to celebrate yourself. Spend time to discover how you can build your own self-love and confidence. How can you embrace fashion to start a self-love revolution? How will your clothes help you to develop your own self-love habits? Will you spend longer choosing your outfit instead of scrolling through Instagram? Your clothes should be the expression of yourself that you want to present, the uniform that allows you to love yourself. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the norm, excite yourself by the freedom your clothes can give you.

Wordsmith: Chloe Mead

While the search for the perfect Valentines gift is in the air, are you thinking about gifting a silk scarf? An accessory that holds so much history, House of Gharats are incredibly passionate about silk scarves. Our founder designer Neishaa Gharat has set herself on a mission to change the world one scarf at a time.  We tell stories within our designs, but what is the story to the scarf itself? Our ongoing love affair with this piece of silk takes us back in time and celebrates its timelessness.

History Of A Silk Scarf

The scarf became popular in the 19th century, when designers saw the potential of fabrics and designs that were coming from countries such as India. However, it first originated in Ancient Egypt, where Queen Nefertiti apparently wore one all the way back in 1350 BC. The scarf went on to be used by Chinese military to show ranks, and again in Croatia later in time.

Discover the design details, click here

Add A Touch Of Flare To Any Outfit

Since then, silk scarves are the most beautiful way to layer & brighten up an outfit. Whether it adorns your neck to finish your look, or adds a splash of colour in a subtle, elegant way. Not all of us like to wear an abundance of colour all at the same time, so a silk scarf allows us to give an artistic twist to any outfit. Styling this versatile and timeless accessory can transform a work day look to an evening cocktail ensemble effortlessly. We have explored Fifty Knotty Ways of how to wear a scarf and have some fun.

Artful gift in a box

House of Gharats silk scarves are artful and full of eccentricities. Inspiration for our designs come from love and life. They tell stories and illustrate passion. They’re our canvas to explore the world and share a beautiful message. Our Tiger’s Fashion Party collection shows artworks of fashionistas and dandies, imagined as exotic animals in an exotic world who need to be protected. The hand illustrated silk scarf designs show wild, fashionable party goers donning stilettos, handbags, hats and scarves. A fantasy world of fashion and fun, it is a vibrant collection that presents love and laughter and fashion of course!

Our Indian heritage brings us so much love and inspiration, both in the ethics of our brand and the intricately illustrated designs we work so hard to create. Our Gajraj collection was influenced by the strong love and respect for Elephants in Indian heritage, and their regal responsibilities they were so highly accounted to perform. The bright, rich colours of this collection celebrates the richness of the royal lives these incredible animals were apart of.

Discover the design details, click here

Designed in London. Made With Love In Italy

We’re proud to produce silk scarves and neckerchiefs that are designed and crafted to high quality in Italy. But especially ones that present so much meaning, and are cared for in this way from concept through to creation. All of our collections are chosen specifically for their beauty in both their stories and design concepts. We pride ourselves on delivering statement pieces that are of quality, love and passion.

Our love affair with the silk accessory that we hold in such high esteem allows us to see how we are contributing to a long line of the fashion statement’s legacy. It’s beautiful to think of the history that scarves hold. From their original uses and fashion statements, all the way to now being perfect outlets for designs of stories and passion. We’re proud to fuse our heritage, design experience and life around us to create works of art you would love to gift and wear. We want to be able to take you on a journey with our stories.

For The Love Of Silk Scarves

During our House of Gharats In Love series, we have been focusing on where and how we express love. As we have such a passion for scarves and creating them for our collectors, we have been imagining how the two subjects seamlessly fit together. From using them to wrap Valentine’s Day Gifts to maximise how loving our gifts can get, to gifting ethically and incorporating sustainability into our presents. You can even match with your loved one, as our his and hers silk scarves and neckerchiefs make interesting his & her sets. We strive to show how endless the possibilities of scarves can hold, both fashionably and ethically.  Your search for the best gift of him and best gift for her ends here.

Discover the design details, click here

Last few days left to WIN In Love

“Who would you gift a House Of Gharats Neckerchief or Pocket Square to and why?” Share the love and have the chance to win a House Of Gharats silk, luxury Neckerchief or Pocket Square. All you have to do is, comment on House of Gharats Instagram or Facebook post by tagging a loved one and answering the question “Who would you gift a House Of Gharats Neckerchief or Pocket Square to and why?” Follow the account you enter on

Instagram: @houseofgharats Facebook: House of Gharats

*Terms and Conditions Apply

Wordsmith: Chloe Mead

Discover the design details, click here

Fast Fashion, Faster Deterioration

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

Hot This Season: Sourcing Sustainably

So, how else can you re-purpose your much-loved scarves?

Beautiful gift wrap, for free

Valentine’s Day gifts with history

Get Creative

WIN In Love

“Who would you gift a House Of Gharats Neckerchief or Pocket Square to and why?” Share the love and have the chance to win a House Of Gharats silk, luxury Neckerchief or Pocket Square. All you have to do is: Comment a House of Gharats Instagram or Facebook post by tagging a loved one and answering the question “Who would you gift a House Of Gharats Neckerchief or Pocket Square to and why?” Follow the account you enter on Look for our competition post on any of the accounts mentioned for more information and content for a loving life. In the meantime inspire your Valentine’s Day gift for him or for her with our collections.

Instagram: @houseofgharats Facebook: House of Gharats

*Terms and Conditions Apply